Justin Kea had 22 goals and 26 assists in 2012-13 for the Saginaw Spirit.Jon Garcia | The Saginaw News

SAGINAW, MI — Justin Kea had a strong 2012-13 season for the Saginaw Spirit, and now he’s being rewarded with an amateur tryout with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

Kea broke out in his third OHL season with 22 goals, 26 assists and was plus-12 in 68 games for Saginaw.

In his first two seasons combined, he had seven goals and was minus-9.

The Americans are the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Kea was a 3rd round pick of the Sabres in the 2012 draft, but he hasn’t signed with the team yet. An amateur tryout allows him to skate with Rochester until he signs.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Kea provides a physical presence on the ice as a two-way forward and became one of Saginaw’s most dependable penalty killers.

Kea was an assistant captain this year and is a candidate to take over as captain next season for Garret Ross.